
Catching Up to FI
A mindset, money, and life podcast for late starters catching up to Financial Independence.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
Coast FI Couple | Matt & Yana Tarr | 127
Mindy Jensen, host of BiggerPockets Money, joins Coast FI Couple Matt and Yana Tarr, who advocate for financial independence through healthy money communication. They discuss the concept of Coast FI, promoting financial freedom while stressing the importance of emotional well-being. The Tarras highlight their debt-free lifestyle, guided by simplicity and charity, notably supporting Best Buddies. They also delve into effective budgeting strategies, like Cube Money, which enhance transparency and foster collaboration in relationships.

Mar 12, 2025 • 30min
Confessions of a Co-host: I broke some FI Rules | Jackie Cummings Koski | 126
Jackie Cummings Koski is co-host of the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast and author of the book 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies'. In case you're new here, FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. In this episode, Jackie comes clean and publicly shares her non-FIRE confessions. Recorded at a CampFI near San Diego, she reveals surprising financial decisions that didn’t exactly follow the 'rules' of FI, and some are downright shocking… such as taking a 401(k) loan (don’t judge too soon😁). These moves may have gone against traditional FI principles, but they didn't ruin her plans or curb her enthusiasm. From her early life in poverty to building wealth through strategic saving and investing, Jackie provides a transparent look at her imperfect journey, aiming to inspire others on the path to FI. She not only shares her real numbers, but also her genuine thoughts and feelings beyond the math. Join us to learn from her experience and embrace the big takeaway that 'precision is not required' to reach your financial goals, even when you’re getting a late start. 🗣️ SHARE YOUR CONFESSION! Do you have a non-FI confession to make??? Leave us a voice message and we may just play it on a future show! Use this link to record a message from your computer or right from your phone: 📲 https://catchinguptofi.com/contact-us/#voicemail 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website 🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee" 🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question === THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR === 📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners Resources mentioned on the show: 📕Jackie's book: 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies' 📈Jackie's Investment Club through BetterInvesting.org CampFI website Watch other inspiring talks on CampFI's YouTube channel If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you! Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Mar 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Bouncing Back from Financial Setbacks | Lynnette Khalfani-Cox | 125
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox (also known as 'The Money Coach') is an icon in the financial media and financial education space. She is the author of 16 money-management books, including the New York Times bestseller ‘Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom’. Lynette joins us on this episode to share some of the big takeaways from her latest book 'Bounce Back', offering practical and emotional guidance for those recovering from financial setbacks. She guides us on how to take on―and defeat―the most common and difficult challenges most of us face, like being downsized from a job, disasters, debt, divorce, discrimination, and more. Lynette also gets vulnerable with us, sharing her emotional stories about dealing with her own divorce and the death of her sister. 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website 🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee" 🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question === THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR === 📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 🌐Website Ask the Money Coach YouTube

13 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 14min
“The Risk Parity Paradox” an Exercise in Simple Complexity? | Frank Vasquez | 124
Frank Vasquez, a mostly retired lawyer with decades of investing experience, shares his unique insights on financial independence in later years. He humorously emphasizes enjoying your wealth after years of hard work. The discussion covers diversified portfolios, including the intriguing 'Golden Butterfly' and 'Golden Ratio' strategies. Frank critiques traditional financial advice, highlighting essential retirement planning and the power of risk parity. Expect a blend of investing wisdom and laughter as he navigates the complexities of portfolio management.

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
ATM Receipts, Origami, and Unravelling Your Relationship With Money | Shannah Game | 123
Ever felt anxious around money, or like you're stuck no matter how much you try to save? You're not alone. In this episode, we unravel all of that with Shannah Game, a leading transformational money expert helping you heal your relationship with money. Shannah is host of the popular podcast 'Everyone's Talkin' Money' and author of the new book 'Unraveling Your Relationship with Money', a step-by-step guide to breaking free from money stress, shame, and self-doubt. 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website 🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee" 🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question === THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS === 📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup 💵Student Loan Planner Flat fee for a one-on-one consultation is normally $595, but after your $100 off ‘Catching Up to FI’ discount, it's $495. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: link For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 🎙️Everyone's Talkin' Money Podcast 📗 George Kinder The Trauma of Money Method CRASH!: Money Trauma and Recovery | Shannah Game | 057 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you! Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
Banishing The Burden of Student Loan Debt | Travis Hornsby | 122
Travis Hornsby, the founder of Student Loan Planner, shares his expertise on navigating the complex landscape of student debt. He highlights how the crisis now affects older borrowers and offers smart strategies for repayment and forgiveness. The discussion touches on the impact of recent government policies and the challenges of private loans. Travis emphasizes the importance of professional advice, especially for those in low-paying careers, and explores the potential of the Save Plan to ease financial strain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone grappling with student loans!

Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Attorney Spilling all the Legal Tea on Estate Planning | Jenny Rozelle | 121
Jenny Rozelle, an attorney at Indiana Estate and Elder Law, brings her legal expertise and humor to the table. She tackles estate planning essentials like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives in an engaging way. Jenny shares cautionary tales and celebrity mishaps to illustrate the real-life implications of poor planning. Listeners learn about the significance of communication within families regarding legal documents and the pitfalls of navigating probate and beneficiary designations without professional help.

13 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 53min
"Mama, Are We Poor?”: a Single Mom's Millionaire Mindset | Monica Scudieri | 120
Monica Scudieri, a single mother who defied the odds by achieving financial independence after facing $257,000 in debt, shares her inspiring journey. She recounts her immigrant family's story and the resourcefulness that helped her manage finances as a single mom. Monica discusses the importance of resilience and strategic goal-setting, illustrating how these elements led her to success. She also emphasizes the critical role of financial literacy and community support in empowering women, especially single mothers, on their paths to financial freedom.

Jan 26, 2025 • 54min
Leaning Out: Cracking the Burnout Code | Dawn Baker | 119
Ever felt burnout creeping into your life? Then join us for this discussion about tackling the widespread issue of burnout with Dr. Dawn Baker, author of the book 'Lean Out'. Discover practical advice for high-powered professionals struggling with exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of motivation. Whether you're an overworked physician, a stressed corporate employee, or overloaded entrepreneur, this episode will give you actionable tips to help you regain balance and find fulfillment. 🔗Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI 🔥🔥🔥 Check out these discounts from our new partners: 💰MyBudgetCoach MyBudgetCoach is the only budgeting app to connect every user with a real-life coach from Day 1. You pick the coach that resonates most with you from their directory. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup 🎓 Student Loan Planner Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. They charge a one-time fee for their thorough review. Our listeners receive $100 off a 1:1 consult using the link below. Flat fee is normally $595, but after your $100 off ‘Catching Up to FI’ discount, it's $495. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 🌐 Practice Balance 📗Order 'Lean Out' on Amazon Lean Out Podcast In the Line of FIRE | Escaping Avalon | 090 Money Zen | Manisha Thakor | 055 📕The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy ~Jordan Grumet If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you! Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Jan 22, 2025 • 12min
Taking it to the Streets: Best Pro Tips for Late Starters | FinCon Attendees | 118
In this episode, we're taking it to the streets of Atlanta, GA where the 2024 FinCon took place. FinCon is the largest (and funnest) conference for independent content creators in the personal finance space. We wish you could have been there but since we couldn't bring our audience to FinCon, we're bringing a little FinCon to you. We chatted with some of them and asked the big question: "What is your best tip for late starters?" 🔗Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Huge thanks to our fellow content creators that contributed their valuable tips! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) Gwen Merz (Firey Millennials) 🌐 Firey Millennials Rocky Lalvani (Profit Comes First) 🌐 Profit Comes First Heather Phillips (Tiller) 🌐 Tiller Fritz Gilbert (Retirement Manifesto) 🌐 Retirement Manifesto Podcast Episode: Hard & Soft Sides of Retirement | Fritz Gilbert | 019 📗 Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years Buy👉🏻 https://amzn.to/4g31kMr Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference) 🌐 EconoMe Conference Podcast Episode: Find Your Camino | Diania Merriam | 029 Skyler Fleming (Money Talk with Skyler Fleming) 🌐 Money Talk with Skyler Fleming Sean Mullaney (The FI Tax Guy) 🌐 The FI Tax Guy Podcast Episodes: Year End Tax Planning | Sean Mullaney | 045 Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013 Doug Nordman aka Nords (Military Financial Independence) 🌐 Military Financial Independence Podcast Episode: Catching the Wave to FI | Doug Nordman & Carol Pittner | 067 📗Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence Buy👉🏻 https://amzn.to/4jpGLNs 📕Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement Buy👉🏻 https://amzn.to/40DVrRt Larry Tuch (The Abundant Wallet) 🌐 The Abundant Wallet Crystina Cardozo (Run the Numbers) 🌐 Run the Numbers Avanti Shetye (Wealthwyzr) 🌐 Wealthwyzr Aseefa Ismail (Balanced Checkbook) 🌐 Balanced Checkbook Marvá Morrow 🌐 Marvá Morrow If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you! Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.